Remembering one of their own

Member, dancer Jimmy Bowning memorialized

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Posse recently held its annual Christmas Dance, but this year, something was missing.

In addition to a change in entertainment and a new venue, the recent loss of posse member Jim "Jimmy" Browning, was evident.

The dance, which serves as a fundraiser for area student scholarships was an activity that was whole heartedly supported by Browning. Not only was Browning not in attendance, sharing his polished and charming country and western and line-dance skills but attendance was down, which some attribute to the loss of Browning, who was quite the recruiter.

Browning passed away in May during a trip he and his wife, Betty, were taking to attend a dance in Truth or Consequences. Betty said she believes he may have had a stroke while driving because he was not responding to her as he headed off the rode, causing a one-car accident that injured her and killed him.

The Brownings, who were married for 23 years, moved to Nogal in 2000 after visiting the summers in Lincoln County in their R.V. It was through these visits that they realized they loved the land and the people of New Mexico. They enjoyed dancing together and taught line-dance lesson at the senior center in Ruidoso Downs for several years and were active members of the posse since 2003.

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Not only was Jimmy a notable dancer, he enjoyed summer gardening and was quite the entertainer. He sang, played the guitar and mandolin, and often wrote songs for friends.

Incoming Vice President Michael Aldrich said Browning was the backbone behind the dance. He was a recruiter, often able to garner attendance and help for the event. Outgoing President Marty Jackson said Jimmy was "The Ticket Master" for the dance. He was on the phone, would talk to people on the street, and had great enthusiasm for the event.

A memorial was held at posse headquarters in Carrizozo in August for Jimmy in which more than 100 people attended. Dance friends from Texas also were in attendance. One of the posse members wrote a song for the service in honor of him, sharing his talent and writing songs for others, Betty said.

Browning served as previous posse president and vice president and was the activities director for the Pony Express Trail Ride. Betty said he loved people, and was always willing to lend a hand. Jackson said Browning enjoyed serving as security for past community events like the Mobile Food Pantry and convention center expos. He also took pleasure in the Easter egg hunt held in Carrizozo.

Although the Christmas dance was not as successful as planned, and the joy and passion Browning brought to the posse cannot be replaced, the posse hopes to bring balance to their fundraising efforts by partnering with Longhorn Dance Band and fiddler Russell Burris to host a family-friendly New Year's dance at the Capitan Fairgrounds on Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight. This event will be non-alcoholic and offer live music and a midnight meal. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for ages 13-17, and kids younger than 13 get in free. Proceeds for this event will be split between the Sheriff's Posse and Fort Lone Tree.

Other posse activities include participation in seasonal parades carrying flags on mounted horses, posse assistance during community events like gun shows, Tour de Ruidoso, and expos held at the convention center. The group will welcome its 2014 board members that include President Susan O'Malley, Aldrich, Treasurer Tom Neudauer and Secretary Julia McGill.

The group hopes to offer its annual Pony Express Trail Ride this year that brings in people from Colorado, Florida and other regions for a three-day trail ride that covers the historical territory of Billy the Kid, Kit Carson, and Fort Stanton. The activity includes catered meals, guided tours and evening entertainment. This had been put on hold since 2012.

The posse has about 40 registered members in which approximately 20 are active. According to their website, they are looking for new members that have an "active interest in the civic, social and moral welfare of the county and its communities" no horse required. Because members are given the weight of "special deputy", a volunteer faction offering assistance to the sheriff when needed, new members must complete a background check which is then voted on by members and if approved, a $35 annual membership fee is required.

Although the ticket price was lowered and the community was very generous in donating raffle and auction items that helped offset the cost of the event, the lack of ticket sales did not allow them to raise the funds that allowed them to offer $4,000 in scholarships last year.